As we look today at the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, it wold be easy to dwell on just how much our actual families don’t measure up to this standard. Our families aren’t perfect. There are all kinds of struggles and difficulties. Often our families seem to be a bit of a mess. While this may be true, it’s not really unusual. Being part of a family has always had its joys and struggles. What seems to be different about our day is that people are believing that there really can be “perfect” marriages or families, or at least better ones than what they’ve got. Sadly, people abandon their spouses and children in an impossible quest for the “perfect” family.

The holy family gives us the perfect answer today. Their situation was far from ideal, but they continued to say yes to God, even when His plan didn’t match their plans. We’ve got to be willing to do the same. We’ve got to fight for our families. If our culture is sick it is because our families are sick. A lot is riding on remaining faithful in the school of holiness we call family. Save the family, save the world.